Tokyo Events

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Every summer Japan prepares for the numerous fireworks (hanabi)
festivals held throughout the nation. The biggest of these is the
display over the Sumida River, which is a major event on the
cultural calendar of Tokyo, with spectacular multicoloured layers
that blossom into the night sky to awe the millions of spectators
gathered along the banks or in boats on the river. Many dress in
traditional kimono and festival wear for the occasion and although
the display is scheduled to end at 8.30pm the festivities run on
late into the night. The highlight of the display is a dazzling
competition between highly acclaimed fireworks manufacturers. The
element of competition makes the display all the more exciting
because the rivalry between the different pyrotechnics groups is
fierce and the event is an important showcase for them - as each
group tries to outdo the others the spectators gasp at all the
beautiful lights and patterns. One of the best ways to experience
the event is to go cruising on the river and enjoy the display from
the water before partying the night away onboard. For more
information contact the Fireworks Office on +81 (0)3 5246 1111.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival

Heralding the beginning of spring, cherry trees burst into a
riot of pink and white blossoms all over Japan and the spectacle is
so lovely that this is the most popular time to visit the country.
Tokyo attracts thousands of holidaymakers daily for cherry blossom
viewing (hanami). The cherry blossom, or Sakura, is Japan's
national flower and a symbol of the country. For many years, the
Japanese people have celebrated the cherry blossom season every
year, which depends on the local conditions, but usually starts in
Okinawa in January, reaching Kyoto and Tokyo in late March to early
April, and Hokkaido in late May. They celebrate this popular
festival with hanami parties under the trees with picnics,
drinking, singing and dancing. Street stalls are set up and
musicians serenade the merry picnickers, many of whom are decked
out in outrageous costumes and masks. Ueno Park is Tokyo's most
beautiful spot for hanami parties and it is particularly romantic
to enjoy the riot of pink and white from a paddle boat on the
water. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a big draw for tourists who
want to see Japan at its most beautiful and vibrant. For more
information contact the Tokyo Tourist Information Centre on (0)3
5321 3077.

Sanja Festival

The Sanja Matsuri or Sanja Festival is the biggest of Tokyo's
three great festivals, along with the Kanda Festival and Sanno
Festival, which alternate every year. During the annual festival
thousands of frenzied devotees gather for traditional portable
shrine processions, ancient ritual music and dancing, and other
festivities. The processions are in honour of the three resident
deities of the Asakusa Shrine, who are paraded through the streets
in huge, elaborately decorated mikoshi or portable shrines carried
on the shoulders of dozens of strong men dressed in traditional
festival clothing, and surrounded by chanting worshippers. Up to
100 other mikoshi are carried around in processions meant to bring
blessings and good luck to the area and its inhabitants. About two
million people visit Asakusa to pay tribute and celebrate over the
three days of the festival. The district is packed with food
stalls, festival games, music and dancing. The festivities begin
with the Friday afternoon Daigyoretsu Parade, a large procession of
priests, officials, geisha, musicians and dancers wearing
traditional Edo-period costumes. For more information contact the
Tourist Information Centre on +81 (03) 3201 3331.

Japanese F1 Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix usually falls towards the end of the
Formula One season and has over the years provided much excitement,
and often been the track to crown the season's champion. 13 World
Champions have been crowned at the Japanese event. The Fuji
Speedway hosted the first two Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 and 1977
before the country was taken off the F1 calendar. When it was
reinstated in 1987 it was at the Suzuka track, which hosted it with
great success for the next 20 years and fast gained a reputation as
one of the most challenging F1 circuits. The two circuits
alternated hosting the event until the Fuji Speedway announced it
would not be hosting the 2010 race due to the recession. The Suzuka
track now holds the event exclusively. The Japanese Grand Prix is
very well-supported by locals and foreigners alike and, like all
the races, is extremely thrilling for spectators. Many F1 fans
travel around the world to attend races and the atmosphere is
festive; if a World Champion is crowned the ceremony adds extra
excitement and there are raucous after-parties to enjoy.

Great Japan Beer Festival

Contrary to popular belief, the Japanese drink more than just
Sake and rice wine. Beer is also highly popular and the city of
Sapporo in Hokkaido is famed for its brews. Many of these are
available at Tokyo's Great Japan Beer Festival each year where more
than 120 local and international craft brews can be sampled.
Tickets cost approximately ¥4,300 and the event is fun and
festive, with some great brews to enjoy. Japan hosts multiple beer
festivals and a number of cities compete with Tokyo to throw the
biggest party, although the capital has so far been the most
popular, with about 5,500 enthusiasts attending Tokyo's Great Japan
Beer Festival in 2012. In 2013 Osaka holds its beer festival
between the 13 and 15 July; Nagoya hosts the festival on the 3 and
4 August; and Yokohama will celebrate between the 14 and 16 July.
The Japanese Craft Beer Association throws a number of other
exciting beer tastings and competitions every year. For details on
these events see the association's official website listed
below.

Tokyo International Film Festival

Each year the Tokyo International Film Festival exclusively
screens new and exciting films in cinemas around Roppongi Hills.
Film buffs can enjoy world premieres by some of Japan's top
directors and filmmakers from all over the world as well as voting
for their favourite film in the Audience Choice category. The
festival was established in 1985 and was held twice annually until
1991 and annually thereafter. It is one of Asia's most famous and
competitive film festivals and is accredited by the FIAPF
(International Federation of Film Producers). The Tokyo Sakura
Grand Prix award is handed to the winner of best film, and other
categories like best actor, best actress and best director are also
judged. Recent winners have included French, Israeli and Bulgarian
films, and famous actresses honoured at the festival include Helena
Bonham Carter, Abigail Breslin and Glen Close. The festival
includes conventional screenings, fun open-air cinema, screenings
with voice-overs, social occasions and celebrity appearances, as
well as lectures, seminars and workshops. There is lots to learn
and lots to enjoy for movie enthusiasts.